Richard Burgon MP disgusted by Leeds United sacking Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds United have been accused of ruining football with their “disgusting” decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa by local MP Richard Burgon.
The 66-year-old was relieved of his position earlier today (Sunday 27 February) after yesterday’s 4-0 loss to Tottenham at Elland Road.
The result left the club staring down the prospect of relegation, but Labour MP for East Leeds Burgon believes the decision shows a disregard for fans who love the former boss.
Writing on his Twitter account the representative said: “Some days I feel football has been ruined by becoming more and more like just ‘a business’ rather than being about the fans.
“Today’s one of those days. I think it’s disgraceful that Bielsa has been sacked. He will be loved forever by our city.”
Special connection
While politicians getting involved in football don’t usually receive a particularly positive reaction, Burgon’s words will likely resonate with many across the city.
Although there were boos inside the stadium as Spurs ran through the side on Saturday, there is still a huge proportion of the support who would have accepted relegation with the manager in charge.
The former Chile boss brought about such dramatic improvement on the pitch that the Whites returned to the top flight for the first time in 16 years.
His ideals transformed some of his players from serviceable operators into international stars, and the change inspired almost complete devotion from much of the squad.
But it is the unique connection that Bielsa had as an individual to the city that he unexpectedly called home for the past few years that has brought about such an outpouring of emotion from some fans.
His interactions in public made him an especially popular figure, even accounting for his status in charge of the home team.
Unfortunately for them, while the connection to the manager was rare, it is even more rare to find a Premier League owner who does not view football as a business.
With the very real risk of relegation increasing in likelihood, the change that some wished never to see has now happened.
In other Leeds United news, the replacement has been named as well as the expected time of the announcement.